Low Back Pain in Young Athletes - What Does the Research Say?

Study Title: Low back pain in young athletes
Authors: L. Purcell & L. Micheli
Journal: Sports Health
Date: May / June 2009

Summary:

• A simple and straightforward literature review of orthopaedic causes of low back pain in young athletes. Utilizing a search of the current evidence through Medline, the authors briefly summarized the risk factors, clinical examination process, and prevention of such conditions in youth sport. A larger section of this paper was devoted to specific orthopaedic considerations including, but not limited to; spondylolysis, spondylolysthesis, posterior element overuse syndromes, and vertebral body apophyseal avulsion fractures. Interestingly, little credit was given to functional diagnoses although it was suggested that greater risk for injury may be present during periods of rapid growth. One of the recommendations given, to which I believe may be insufficient, was that "a patient who has resumed full pain-free activities...is considered clinically healed". Given the current lifestyle in which young athletes live, I believe more attention should be paid to the athletes' normal activities of daily living...or lack thereof!

Purcell, L. & Micheli, L. (2009). Low back pain in young athletes. Sports Health. Vol. 1 (3): 212-222